Visual Arts Project Set For Centre Stage At This Year’s Fleadh Cheoil in Ennis

Returning to Clare after last summer’s roaring success, attendants at next week’s annual Fleadh Cheoil will be greeted with the work of Ennis-based artist Shelagh Honan, who with the support of Clare County Council has created a large-scale art installation that will form the centre-piece of this year’s event.

The film, 'Passage of Sound' is all about bringing the landscape to life through music and sound. Honan explained:

"with the Burren's moon-like landscape, the swirling mists from the top of Mount Brandon and the dark mysterious mountain lakes that bring us down to the foot of Brandon Creek. The journey is a metaphorical one, presenting the experience of the artist who travels to the edge in search of music and sound."

The project incorporates the talents of artists across the traditional music spectrum with flute player Kevin Ryan, Ennis’s own Conor Keane, sean nós dancer Mary Caldwell and uilleann piper Emer Daly all featuring in the film.

The biggest event on the traditional music calendar kicks off with Riverdance’s main man Michael Flatley opening the show on the 13th of August. Festivities run to the 20th with names such as Sharon Shannon, Ralph McTell and Lughnasa all expected to grace Ennis’s bustling, historic streets.

For the latest news and events see: fleadhcheoil.ie/